Location-based authentication

Short description: Type of two-factor authentication that utilizes location as a means of recognition

Location-based authentication is a special procedure to prove an individual's identity on appearance simply by detecting its presence at a distinct location.

To enable location-based authentication, a special combination of objects is required.

• Firsthand, the individual that applies for being identified and authenticated has to present a sign of identity.
• Secondly, the individual has to carry at least one human authentication factor that may be recognized on the distinct location.
• Thirdly, the distinct location must be equipped with a resident means that is capable to determine the coincidence of individual at this distinct location.

Distinctiveness of locating

Basic requirement for safe location-based authentication is a well-defined separation of locations as well as an equally well-defined proximity of the applying individual to this location.

Challenges

(As of 2008), no offered technical solution for simple location-based authentication includes a method for limiting the granted access to the presence, hence terminating the granted authentication on leave. This defines a mandate either to include a new or an additional procedure for

• detecting the leave and closing the granted access,
• limiting the granted time for access
• combining the method with another specially suited authentication factor

See also

• Authentication
• Two factor authentication
• Time-based authentication
• Real-time locating
• Security token
• Wireless

Research work

• Location-based security for user's transactions across different domains. By Dhavalkumar Shah